Interview with Muhammad Farrukh Arif Lala, VP Strategy & GTM - Veraqor

Muhammad Farrukh Arif Lala  

VP Strategy & GTM, Veraqor

Give us a quick overview on Veraqor. When and how did you begin this journey and what were your motives to be successful?  

In a nutshell, Veraqor stands as a contemporary digital transformation force, propelling our clients to excel in the data, and AI age. Our spotlight rests on Cloud, Data, and AI – the cornerstones of our success mantra.

To expand, Veraqor is an IT and tech consultancy firm serving the globe, from North America to Europe, from Central Asia to South Asia. We are fueled by a purpose—to forge technology solutions that serve humanity while championing unwavering excellence.

My journey with Veraqor began on February 8th, 2022. I briefly crossed paths with Veraqor’s CEO & Founder, Mohammad Ovais, in 2010 at in Texas, unknown to each other then. Fast forward to December 2021, when I was approached while in Turkey, on the brink of semi-retirement and walnut farming.

This endeavor was a call to lead Veraqor's strategy, guide execution, and shape its direction. Just three months into my role, marketing, sales, and pre-sales were under my wing. Swift restructuring made them efficient. The results followed suit.
Within months, we welcomed significant clients—Del Monte Fresh Produce, Inc., LifeScan, Inc., Chevron Corporation—alongside others. The proof of our success lies in our approach, with my team NPS soaring above 90%, a testament to our culture and care. To me, people's well-being takes precedence over profits and percentages. Our focus is creating an environment where my team thrives, and where people truly matter.

What is your role in the management and development of Veraqor?

In the grand scheme of Veraqor's management and growth, my role takes on several pivotal dimensions.
Formally, I'm wearing the hat of VP of Strategy, along with spearheading Go-To-Market efforts—a duo of responsibilities that keep me engaged. But it doesn't stop there.

I head the sales and marketing teams too. Beyond these functions, a significant expectation lies before me—to transform Veraqor into a true consulting powerhouse helping our customers out-competing in age of Digital and AI, as being part of the leadership team.

I've engineered a comprehensive restructuring, reshaping the company's core while infusing it with cultural values that drive us forward.

Tell us about your biggest achievement in the industry and Awards.

If I reflect on my professional journey, awards have been plenty even prior to Veraqor. I secured awards for Transformational Wins, Teaming to Win and significant Competitive Wins during my time at Microsoft and beyond. I received accolades directly from the CTO, a pivotal figure in Microsoft's history, closely tied to Bill Gates' founding team. I also clinched the award for securing the highest number of new customers nationwide a few years back. Accomplishments I enjoyed helping customers digitally transform and business impact it created for them.

However, when it comes to my most significant achievements, it's the privilege of coaching, mentoring, advising, and leading individuals to triumph that resonates the strongest. My network of exceptional people stands as my proudest feat. For instance, someone I guided for a decade went on to establish a community in Houston, dedicated to nurturing student success. It's a ripple effect of accomplishment that continues to inspire.

How do you add value to your clients?

Adding value to our clients is paramount but is often a tricky path. First and foremost, I strive to understand what drives their success, how they connect with their customers, and explore ways they can evolve and excel further. Then, I focus on carving out a competitive edge for them with emphasis on their business capabilities and stream of additional revenue through new technology trends to enable or optimize, ensuring they're not just keeping pace in their industry, but leading it. It's a two-step approach – understand and propel, all aimed at enhancing their growth and success. 

What according to you are the best practices to attain client satisfaction?

In my perspective, achieving client satisfaction hinges on a few crucial practices. Primarily, propelling my clients to victory—whether it's the CEO, CIO, COO, VP, or IT Director, my priority is their success. Next, I place immense emphasis on business impact, followed closely by enhancing the customer engagement experience.

My approach centers on educating and spotlighting the factors that deliver tangible business impact before their customers. This approach nurtures client contentment.

It's not just about the value we offer; it encompasses the entire experience. Moreover, acting as a trusted advisor holds great significance, as integrity remains the foundation that paves the way for success.

How do you update a customer’s business system to be in pace with the technological advancements?

Updating our customers' business systems to align with technological progress boils down to a simple principle: staying updated to prevailing trends like digital and AI transformation. This approach ensures we consistently propel their systems forward and keep pace with the ever-evolving technological landscape.

What do you think will be the future of AI?

The trajectory of AI's future is akin to the evolution of electricity. Just like the first electric bulb's marvel transformed into a global utility, AI is poised for the same transformative journey. As we witness AI's wonders today, its destiny lies in becoming an inseparable facet of our lives.

Generative AI, recently in particular, has been a game-changer, reshaping our perceptions. From adept chatbots and intelligent assistants, AI has assumed the role of a proactive collaborator to today’s productivity. This trend will only intensify—AI is set to become a fundamental component in every facet of our everyday lives.

Consider McKinsey's report, which highlights generative AI's potential to inject trillions of dollars into the global economy through heightened productivity. Another study projects a surge in automation driven by generative AI. The future, in essence, holds AI as the cornerstone of progress and efficiency.